Neolith FAQ

What is Neolith®?

Born in the last decade, Neolith – a Sintered Stone – is part of a new and revolutionary product category aimed at meeting more demanding architectural and design needs. It is not at all what is known as traditional ceramic or stoneware but rather evolved from these materials to the point that a new type of surface was created which was non-existent up until that time. Neolith is pioneer in the Sintered Stone industry.

Why isn’t NEOLITH® ceramic?

The difference between Neolith and traditional ceramics is obvious when you simply compare the characteristics. Although traditional ceramic may have some characteristic in common with Neolith, it definitely doesn’t have all the characteristics inherent to Neolith such as its stain, chemical and heat resistance all in one product. It all begins with the raw materials which, despite being similar and obtained from comparable sources, the raw materials used to produce Neolith are more refined and purer to ensure a more uniform product. Moreover, the machinery used to process these raw materials is unique as it is specifically designed to manufacture Neolith. The production line features the most advanced equipment and latest technology to guarantee a high-quality product. The raw materials are pressed at a significantly higher pressure to get denser material. Then, the pressed material is baked for almost 2 hours which is much longer than for traditional ceramic which includes cycles of around 40 minutes. These longer cycles create a product with a stronger, non-absorbent surface. All of these enhancements in the raw materials and production techniques result in an improved product with superior technical characteristics known as Neolith.

What is Sintered Stone?

Composition: 100% natural based on 3 groups of elements:

Minerals from granite: quartz and feldspar which provide the product with hardness and strength.

Minerals from glass and silica that provide chemical stability.

Natural oxides that offer chromatic properties.

How is NEOLITH® produced? What is Sintering?

The Sintering Technology TheSize has developed to create Neolith replicates the process by which stones are naturally created over a period of thousands of years in just a few hours. It consists of subjecting the raw materials described above to very high pressures and temperatures.

The combination of raw materials goes through a press in a first phase where pressure of up to 400 bars is applied.

In a second phase, the slabs are placed in an oven where they are cooked at temperatures of more than 1200ºC. This process produces an ultra-compact decorative full-body surface.

In what formats and thicknesses is NEOLITH® available?

There is also a 102″x60″ format and custom-cut formats for special projects only.

Besides these slab formats, Neolith is also available in a series of standard tile formats such as: 60″x60″, 60″x30″, 48″x48″, 48″x24″, 24″x24″, 24″x12″. Neolith can be supplied pre-cut with custom measurements as of a certain quantity of m2.

In what thicknesses is NEOLITH® available?

The thicknesses are one of the most important characteristics of Neolith. It’s the only slab offered in 4 different different thicknesses to the public. They range from 3 to 20 mm and the essential difference in use varies depending on the intended application. 3 mm can be used for interior tiling or furniture; 6 mm for flooring (interior and exterior) and exterior tiling (ventilated facades); 12 and 20 mm is reserved for more demanding product uses such as for kitchen countertops.

Which finishes is NEOLITH® available in?

Neolith is available in different finishes which offer richness and value to the designs created with these surfaces: from rough textures with relief to shiny polished textures with linear reflections. A complete repertory to stimulate the sight and touch.

Nanotech Polished: With a high shine level, Nanotech Polished offers the Colorfeel Collection a more sophisticated image.

Where can NEOLITH® be applied?

Because of the format and physical/mechanical characteristics, this type of product is ideal for an endless number of interior and exterior uses in business and private homes: countertops, floors, walls, facades, tiling, furniture. The only limit is your imagination.

Is NEOLITH® scratch-resistant?

Yes. Neolith is made of natural materials and is produced at very high temperatures and pressures which make it highly scratch and impact-resistant. However, sudden impacts, excessive temperatures and improper use can damage the surface of the material just like with any other surface.

The vitrified surface of the Polished finish requires greater care as it does not feature as much surface hardness. For more information, we recommend you read the Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for the Polished Finish (link to the document).

**Take special care with ceramic knives: Ceramic knives can scratch a Neolith surface irrespective of the finish just as they scratch other brands of the same and other product categories.

Will the small NEOLITH® sample I have coincide with the slabs once installed?

Variations in color, tone and pattern are inherent to the natural raw materials used to produce Neolith. The samples are cut from complete slabs and only represent a small portion of the complete slab. Please refer to samples simply to get an idea for the colors as there may be minor variations in the slabs actually installed.

What conditions and aspects are covered by the 10-year Warranty for NEOLITH® kitchen countertops?

What are the advantages of installing NEOLITH® instead of other materials?

Neolith is the latest in versatile products. Unlike other materials, Neolith can be used for any purpose which means architects, interior specialists, designers and owners can create a comprehensive, modern project. It is a light surface with a wide variety of finishes.

What is the process involved with buying a NEOLITH® countertop?

Neolith must be purchased through a specialized shop or store. This is because the product requires specific tools for cutting, handling and installation which all must be done by a qualified professional.